I'm always on the hunt for the next great foundation and concealer; it's a weakness of mine, especially because having hormonal adult acne means I have face issues to cover. If nothing else, I won't leave the house without foundation on. One of the most recent foundation and concealers I've tried is the Au Naturale Powder Foundation and Au Naturale Creme Concealer. See what I thought of these two products after each set of pics below!
Au Natural Powder Foundation
Shade: Sand
Au Natural Powder Foundation Info & Review
Cost: $32.00 (30 gram sifter jar that holds 9 grams of product - full size). Samples of their Powder Foundations can be found by clicking here, and are $3.00 each.
Availability: Available on the Au Naturale website and everywhere else Au Naturale products are sold.
Availability: Available on the Au Naturale website and everywhere else Au Naturale products are sold.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Kisses
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...
Au Naturale Powder Foundations (SPF 15) come in an assortment of skin tones, so each customer may discover their perfect foundation match. Their foundations have a semi-matte finish that boast extraordinary coverage with an airbrushed effect. Known for their flawless coverage, even for those suffering from acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.
All of their powder foundations are Gluten Free, Vegan, Non Nano, Natural, Non Toxic, Paraben-Free, Bismuth Oxycholoride Free, Made in the USA and formulated without Red Lake Dyes, Chromium Oxide Green, and Carmine.
MY REVIEW...
I am always very hopeful when I read foundation descriptions that say they offer great coverage, because let's be real, I need the coverage! I've suffered from a hormonal imbalance for several years now, and that causes acne (which can be severe at times of high stress). Because of my hormonal imbalance, there isn't a whole lot skincare is going to do until my body figures itself out; sure, skincare helps but it has never and will never be able to fully clear my face up. My hormones have to get in order and then the rest will fall in place. In the mean time, full coverage foundations are my BFF of the makeup world.
I find it very hard for a powder foundation to give me the coverage I want and need; there have been very few that I've found which meet my strict criteria as being one I would wear and recommend. So when I had the chance to try out the Powder Foundation from Au Naturale I jumped at the chance.
The shade I was sent is Sand; I did give them a description of my color (light to medium skin, on the lighter end of medium, with yellow and neutral undertones). Honestly, I'm glad they made the shade choice for me because I was unsure which to choose; I had it narrowed down to Sand or Honey. Now after trying the shade Sand, I'm positive the shade Honey would of been a better match for me since it has golden undertones. Sometimes (most of the time) it can be hard to choose a foundation shade online because online swatches aren't the most accurate and don't appear the same on everyone's computer either.
Based on the online swatches, Sand looks darker than it does in person. It is described as being ideal for those with light skin and neutral undertones. Sand is listed as their most universally flattering foundation for those with light skin tones (which is why I assume this shade was selected for me). Sometimes neutral undertones can look a bit off on me, just depending on how neutral they pull, so I was curious to see how this foundation shade would look on me.
When swatched on my hand it was far too light; but my hand and arms are darker than my face usually so I had hope this shade would work (more on that in a minute). One thing I noticed on the hand swatch is there are very fine shimmer particles in this foundation. It's not a disco ball shimmer and unless you are up close and near a bright light source you're likely to not even notice it. I didn't really see it translate to the face the way the hand swatch showed.
The coverage is fantastic! However, due to how pigmented this foundation is, I find it to be a bit tougher to blend and I find certain brushes apply this foundation better than others. I tried using my elf Powder Brush - which I love for both powder and liquid foundations - but it just didn't apply it the way I like. The Bare Minerals Flawless Face Brush (or whatever it's called), did the job and worked much better to get an easier blend of this foundation. I loved using the Inika Kabuki Brush the best though.
It certainly isn't as smooth/easy to blend as some of my other powder foundations - like the tarte powder foundation, which glides on and blends like a dream. This one takes a bit more work, but the results are well worth it if you want full coverage. I do have dry skin at the moment and any dry patches really were more noticeable after applying this foundation; keep in mind that in the before and after pics I didn't even have moisturizer on though so any dry patches are extra noticeable.
The packaging is nice; it comes in a round jar with a sifter top that rotates to close over the sifter holes, so it makes it less messy and easier to travel with! Although I do find it a bit plain; there is no brand identification except for the label on the bottom of the jar.
Now let's get back to the shade, Sand, which turned out to be far too light for me. In fact, on my skin it made me look chalky because of how pale it made me look. That was a bummer because I really think this has nice coverage and I was looking forward to wearing it out of the house.
Unfortunately, because the shade was so pale, I couldn't wear this out of the house - but I still wanted to test it out so I tried it out on days I didn't leave the house. I tested it alone, over liquid foundations as more of a setting powder or to boost up their coverage, and also as a powder concealer. It can work well for all of those, however, if applying over a liquid (or cream) foundation you may find it even more difficult to blend if your liquid foundation is not fully dry. Any tackiness of the liquid foundation will make this even hard to get a good blend on your skin and it will tend to cling and stick to those areas. I'd recommend lightly setting your face with a translucent powder first if you are wanting to apply this over a liquid foundation; it will make this foundation go on much nicer.
It has nice wear time; I found it stayed put for hours without budging. Even the hand swatch could be rubbed on and hardly any foundation rubbed off.
Overall, I wish I had this in a shade that matched; this certainly was too light and chalky looking on my skintone. I suggest buying some samples before you invest the $32 in the full size; that way you know what shade you need. You know what I think would be great? If they sold sample packs to make it kind of dummy-proof for those looking to buy; because online swatches can be so deceiving and not everyone reads the shade descriptions. They should have 3 to 4 shades in each sample pack - one for each: fair, light, medium, tan, deep; that way customers can try a few shades together and maybe even figure out if mixing two shades would work. Most people know if they fall into fair, light, medium, tan or deep categories so it would make it easier to select sample shades; but that's just me wishing on a star I suppose.
Had the shade matched I might of been able to give you some better feedback on wear and how it looked in different lighting, and I also think I may have even given it a higher score. But from my testing, I call this an average to above average loose powder foundation that has room for improvement (could blend a bit easier; that's my biggest gripe on performance) but this foundation does have some great pros!
Pros: made without all the bad stuff, great coverage, great wear time
Cons: not the easiest to blend, shade was not a match and shade selection for customers may not be easiest based on online swatches
Overall, this isn't a concealer I personally will reach for often just based on the shade - but I am curious to see how this will perform on my friend who is a lighter complexion than I am. I'll have to report back once she has had time to review it.
I am, however, able to use this on my eyelids as an eyeshadow base!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...
Au Naturale Powder Foundations (SPF 15) come in an assortment of skin tones, so each customer may discover their perfect foundation match. Their foundations have a semi-matte finish that boast extraordinary coverage with an airbrushed effect. Known for their flawless coverage, even for those suffering from acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.
All of their powder foundations are Gluten Free, Vegan, Non Nano, Natural, Non Toxic, Paraben-Free, Bismuth Oxycholoride Free, Made in the USA and formulated without Red Lake Dyes, Chromium Oxide Green, and Carmine.
MY REVIEW...
I am always very hopeful when I read foundation descriptions that say they offer great coverage, because let's be real, I need the coverage! I've suffered from a hormonal imbalance for several years now, and that causes acne (which can be severe at times of high stress). Because of my hormonal imbalance, there isn't a whole lot skincare is going to do until my body figures itself out; sure, skincare helps but it has never and will never be able to fully clear my face up. My hormones have to get in order and then the rest will fall in place. In the mean time, full coverage foundations are my BFF of the makeup world.
I find it very hard for a powder foundation to give me the coverage I want and need; there have been very few that I've found which meet my strict criteria as being one I would wear and recommend. So when I had the chance to try out the Powder Foundation from Au Naturale I jumped at the chance.
The shade I was sent is Sand; I did give them a description of my color (light to medium skin, on the lighter end of medium, with yellow and neutral undertones). Honestly, I'm glad they made the shade choice for me because I was unsure which to choose; I had it narrowed down to Sand or Honey. Now after trying the shade Sand, I'm positive the shade Honey would of been a better match for me since it has golden undertones. Sometimes (most of the time) it can be hard to choose a foundation shade online because online swatches aren't the most accurate and don't appear the same on everyone's computer either.
Based on the online swatches, Sand looks darker than it does in person. It is described as being ideal for those with light skin and neutral undertones. Sand is listed as their most universally flattering foundation for those with light skin tones (which is why I assume this shade was selected for me). Sometimes neutral undertones can look a bit off on me, just depending on how neutral they pull, so I was curious to see how this foundation shade would look on me.
When swatched on my hand it was far too light; but my hand and arms are darker than my face usually so I had hope this shade would work (more on that in a minute). One thing I noticed on the hand swatch is there are very fine shimmer particles in this foundation. It's not a disco ball shimmer and unless you are up close and near a bright light source you're likely to not even notice it. I didn't really see it translate to the face the way the hand swatch showed.
The coverage is fantastic! However, due to how pigmented this foundation is, I find it to be a bit tougher to blend and I find certain brushes apply this foundation better than others. I tried using my elf Powder Brush - which I love for both powder and liquid foundations - but it just didn't apply it the way I like. The Bare Minerals Flawless Face Brush (or whatever it's called), did the job and worked much better to get an easier blend of this foundation. I loved using the Inika Kabuki Brush the best though.
It certainly isn't as smooth/easy to blend as some of my other powder foundations - like the tarte powder foundation, which glides on and blends like a dream. This one takes a bit more work, but the results are well worth it if you want full coverage. I do have dry skin at the moment and any dry patches really were more noticeable after applying this foundation; keep in mind that in the before and after pics I didn't even have moisturizer on though so any dry patches are extra noticeable.
The packaging is nice; it comes in a round jar with a sifter top that rotates to close over the sifter holes, so it makes it less messy and easier to travel with! Although I do find it a bit plain; there is no brand identification except for the label on the bottom of the jar.
Now let's get back to the shade, Sand, which turned out to be far too light for me. In fact, on my skin it made me look chalky because of how pale it made me look. That was a bummer because I really think this has nice coverage and I was looking forward to wearing it out of the house.
Unfortunately, because the shade was so pale, I couldn't wear this out of the house - but I still wanted to test it out so I tried it out on days I didn't leave the house. I tested it alone, over liquid foundations as more of a setting powder or to boost up their coverage, and also as a powder concealer. It can work well for all of those, however, if applying over a liquid (or cream) foundation you may find it even more difficult to blend if your liquid foundation is not fully dry. Any tackiness of the liquid foundation will make this even hard to get a good blend on your skin and it will tend to cling and stick to those areas. I'd recommend lightly setting your face with a translucent powder first if you are wanting to apply this over a liquid foundation; it will make this foundation go on much nicer.
It has nice wear time; I found it stayed put for hours without budging. Even the hand swatch could be rubbed on and hardly any foundation rubbed off.
Overall, I wish I had this in a shade that matched; this certainly was too light and chalky looking on my skintone. I suggest buying some samples before you invest the $32 in the full size; that way you know what shade you need. You know what I think would be great? If they sold sample packs to make it kind of dummy-proof for those looking to buy; because online swatches can be so deceiving and not everyone reads the shade descriptions. They should have 3 to 4 shades in each sample pack - one for each: fair, light, medium, tan, deep; that way customers can try a few shades together and maybe even figure out if mixing two shades would work. Most people know if they fall into fair, light, medium, tan or deep categories so it would make it easier to select sample shades; but that's just me wishing on a star I suppose.
Had the shade matched I might of been able to give you some better feedback on wear and how it looked in different lighting, and I also think I may have even given it a higher score. But from my testing, I call this an average to above average loose powder foundation that has room for improvement (could blend a bit easier; that's my biggest gripe on performance) but this foundation does have some great pros!
Pros: made without all the bad stuff, great coverage, great wear time
Cons: not the easiest to blend, shade was not a match and shade selection for customers may not be easiest based on online swatches
Au Natural Creme Concealer
Shade: Beige
Shade: Beige
Au Natural Creme Concealer Info & Review
My Rating: 3 out of 5 Kisses
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...
If you've been waiting for a mineral concealer in a smooth creme form, then look no further. Au Naturale's creme concealers come in an array of colors sure to match every skin tone. Their creme concealers can also work as a color corrector and eye shadow base.
MY REVIEW...
I'm a concealer junkie just as much as I'm a foundation junkie, so of course I'm happy to give this a test drive.
Again, just as with the foundation, I did not choose a shade and I was sent the shade Beige. According to their website, it goes along with their Sand shade of foundation, which really worried me because the Sand Powder Foundation did not match me at all.
Just like the foundation, this concealer is too light for me. It looked like it would be a good shade match in the pan but swatched out lighter. It will work for my under eyes, which is what I tested it on, because it will act as a highlighter/brightener as well. But I couldn't use this for my face since it would be too light.
The packaging is much like the MAC cream concealer. I am sure using a concealer brush would be ideal, but I just used my finger so the product could warm up a bit and blend easily into the skin.
You can't tell a huge difference in the before and after pic, but it did cover up my under eye circles a good amount (my lighting was too bright that day, I think). However, not the most full coverage for under eye circles.
It did seem to emphasize any skin texture issues. That could be because my skin was drier at the time I took this before and after photo because I was sick, but the few times I did use this that is the one thing I noted. If you don't have as dry of under eyes as I have then you may not even have an issue with this.
I honestly think this kind of concealer would do best for blemishes and other face related issues, and not for under eyes (at least on me). But because it is too light of a shade I can't use it on my face, so just like with the foundation, I had to only test this on days I wasn't leaving the house and I haven't had a lot of days like that lately.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...
If you've been waiting for a mineral concealer in a smooth creme form, then look no further. Au Naturale's creme concealers come in an array of colors sure to match every skin tone. Their creme concealers can also work as a color corrector and eye shadow base.
MY REVIEW...
I'm a concealer junkie just as much as I'm a foundation junkie, so of course I'm happy to give this a test drive.
Again, just as with the foundation, I did not choose a shade and I was sent the shade Beige. According to their website, it goes along with their Sand shade of foundation, which really worried me because the Sand Powder Foundation did not match me at all.
Just like the foundation, this concealer is too light for me. It looked like it would be a good shade match in the pan but swatched out lighter. It will work for my under eyes, which is what I tested it on, because it will act as a highlighter/brightener as well. But I couldn't use this for my face since it would be too light.
The packaging is much like the MAC cream concealer. I am sure using a concealer brush would be ideal, but I just used my finger so the product could warm up a bit and blend easily into the skin.
You can't tell a huge difference in the before and after pic, but it did cover up my under eye circles a good amount (my lighting was too bright that day, I think). However, not the most full coverage for under eye circles.
It did seem to emphasize any skin texture issues. That could be because my skin was drier at the time I took this before and after photo because I was sick, but the few times I did use this that is the one thing I noted. If you don't have as dry of under eyes as I have then you may not even have an issue with this.
I honestly think this kind of concealer would do best for blemishes and other face related issues, and not for under eyes (at least on me). But because it is too light of a shade I can't use it on my face, so just like with the foundation, I had to only test this on days I wasn't leaving the house and I haven't had a lot of days like that lately.
Overall, this isn't a concealer I personally will reach for often just based on the shade - but I am curious to see how this will perform on my friend who is a lighter complexion than I am. I'll have to report back once she has had time to review it.
I am, however, able to use this on my eyelids as an eyeshadow base!
Now let me know what you think...
What do you think of this foundation & concealer? Have you tried either one, or would you consider adding these to your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below!
xoxo with love & beauty,
Crystal Valentine
xoxo with love & beauty,
Crystal Valentine
Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. However, these products were sent to me for consideration. I am not being paid to make this post, nor has the company influenced me in any way. I have made this post because I wanted to, not because I had to. These are my honest opinions, thoughts and experiences.
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